Latest news with #CerezoOsaka
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Adidas and Dion Cools unveil heritage-inspired jersey
ADIDAS MALAYSIA launches a limited edition jersey inspired by national footballer Dion Cools, celebrating his heritage, cultural identity, and remarkable football journey. This jersey, a seamless blend of culture and performance, symbolises national pride, resilience, and unity. Designed in collaboration with Dion Cools – the first Malaysian to play for Japanese top-flight club Cerezo Osaka and a key defender for the Malaysian national team – the jersey reflects the athlete's deep connection to his roots and the nation he represents. Collaboration with Dion Cools A stalwart in Malaysia's national team since 2021, Dion Cools has become a symbol of local football defined by grit, leadership and cultural pride. The limited edition jersey reflects this narrative, drawing from Dion's standout performances and his unwavering commitment to representing the country at the highest level. 'Football has given me an incredible platform to represent where I come from and what I stand for. Partnering with adidas on this jersey let me tell that story in a whole new way. adidas has always stood for pushing boundaries. Through this collaboration, I hope to inspire others to embrace their identity and push for greatness,' said Dion Cools. Celebrating Culture Through Sport Born in Kuching, Sarawak and raised in Belgium, Dion was eligible to represent either country at international level, but ultimately chose to wear the Malaysian badge. This jersey design honours that decision: Infused with heritage-inspired patterns and modern performance detailing, the design reflects the duality of Dion's roots and career. 'At adidas, we believe in the power of sport to unite cultures, amplify stories and create new possibilities. Dion's story reflects everything adidas stands for: cultural authenticity, bold choices, and performance at the highest level,' said Preston Page, Country Manager, adidas Malaysia. The Dion Cools limited edition jersey is available in two colourways at select adidas stores and online via Retailing at RM169, consumers will get to redeem a complimentary collectible Dion Cools player card with each purchase, while stocks last.
The Star
23-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Dion makes a statement on and off pitch with his own jersey design
Celebration of legacy: Dion Cools in action in his adidas kit which has patterns inspired by his birthplace Sarawak. PETALING JAYA: Whether donning the national colours of Malaysia, the pink of Cerezo Osaka kit, or now his very own adidas kit – Dion Cools' mission remains unchanged and that is to represent with pride and inspire through performance. Yesterday, the rightback became the first Malaysian and South-East Asian footballer to launch his own limited-edition jersey in collaboration with global sportswear giant adidas. The unveiling at the adidas outlet in Sunway Pyramid was not just a fashion moment but it was a celebration of legacy. 'Football has given me an incredible platform to represent where I come from and what I stand for,' said Cools, who was born in Kuching before moving to Belgium, where his football journey took flight. 'This jersey is special to me because it includes patterns inspired by my birthplace, Sarawak. It's a proud moment.' The No. 21, emblazoned on the back, adds a personal touch, Cools' preferred number since his early professional days in Europe. Cools currently plays in Japan's top-tier J1 League with Cerezo Osaka and continues to be a key figure for Harimau Malaya on the international stage. Eligible to represent both countries, he chose the Malaysian badge and has been a regular fixture in the Malaysian national setup since 2021. Meanwhile, Cools has left it up to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and team management to decide on Harimau Malaya's involvement in any friendly matches this September. He said the national squad still had room to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for in October. This follows Harimau Malaya's withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup in Tajikistan from Aug 29-Sept 8. 'I think it's bad news (withdrawing from the 2025 CAFA Cup), but at the same time the management have done its best. We have work to do for the Asian Cup qualifiers, and I think that's the most important thing for us. Previously, FAM had announced that Harimau Malaya's withdrawal was due to a change in match dates, with fixtures now starting outside the official international window set by FIFA, making it challenging for the national team, as clubs are not obliged to release their players.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Just the right league
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian international Dion Cools (pic) is bracing for a bold new chapter in his career as he takes his talents to Japan's top flight, the J-League, with the club Cerezo Osaka. Having completed a successful stint with Thai giants Buriram United, the versatile defender, who is of Belgian-Malaysian heritage, is eager to embrace the challenges that await him in one of Asia's most competitive footballing environments. 'The J-League is the biggest league in East Asia. It's a whole different ball game compared to South-East Asia. The speed, the quality, everything is on another level. So I can't wait to get started with Cerezo Osaka,' said Cools, who was born in Kuching, Sarawak. The 29-year-old believes Japan's fast-paced and attacking style of play suits his ambitions and style of football. 'I want to show that I have what it takes to play in Japan, a nation that plays good football especially in terms of attacking organisation. 'Cerezo are a good team, and I'm excited to be part of their project. We'll see what happens, but I'm ready to fight for my place.' Before setting his sights on Japan, Cools took a moment to thank his former club Buriram United, where he played a key role in their domestic dominance. 'Thank you Buriram, for an unforgettable chapter in my career,' said Cools. 'It's been an honour to wear this badge and be part of a team that made history. Thank you Mr President (Newin Chidchob) and Karuna Chidchob for the opportunity, and to all the fans for their support and cheering. Thank you to the players and staff for the achievements, friendships, and memories.' Cools was part of a formidable Buriram side from 2023 to 2025 that won multiple trophies during his time there, and his performances earned him praise not only in Thailand but also back home in Malaysia. He joined the club midway through the 2022-2023 season, and they won three consecutive league titles, the Thai League Cup and FA Cup twice and the Asean Club Championship this year. Besides Buriram, which was his first club outside of Europe, Cools has also played for OH Leuven, Club Brugge, Zulte Waregam (Belgium), FC Midtjylland (Denmark) and Jablonec (Czech Republic). Now, as he continues to grow in his club career, he also remains a vital cog in the Malaysian team under coach Peter Cklamovski. The Harimau Malaya recently welcomed several new heritage players into the squad, and Cools stressed the importance of making them feel at home, both on and off the pitch. 'These new heritage players have quality. It's important that we make them feel welcomed. We need to gel well on the pitch,' he said. 'I'm confident that we'll perform better in the future. There's good competition and depth now, and that can only benefit the national team.' As he begins his next footballing adventure in Japan, Cools continues to carry the Malaysian flag with pride, hoping to elevate both his own game and the reputation of Malaysian footballers on the international stage.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Leicester City midfielder Takarada to re-join Cerezo Osaka
Leicester City midfielder Saori Takarada will re-join Japanese WE League club Cerezo Osaka when her contract expires at the end of the month. The Foxes announced the news via a post on their official club X account this evening. Advertisement The 25-year-old Japanese international will move on after spending the last 18 months at The King Power Stadium. The 2024/2025 season was a campaign which saw Leicester City heavily hit by injuries, however, Takarada remained in good shape and was able to feature in every Barclays Women's Super League fixture for the club. In total, the midfielder has made more than 40 appearances for The Foxes in her time in England. With Takarada out of contract at Leicester City this summer, the player has deemed it to be the right time to move on. She has agreed a return to Cerezo Osaka, the club where she initially started out on her professional footballing journey more than a decade ago. Speaking to Cerezo Osaka's official media team after her return to the club was revealed, Takarada said 'First of all, let me say that I'm pleased to be back. I've been away from here for about four-and-a-half years. Advertisement 'I'll do my best to focus on winning and helping the team grow whilst sharing my experiences [from playing] overseas. I also hope to entertain everyone who comes to watch, embody the kind of football that is a characteristic of Cerezo and help the team win. 'I look forward to [having] your support this season.' Takarada is the second player to be leaving Leicester City this summer.
The Mainichi
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: Forward Kitano joins Salzburg from Cerezo Osaka
OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Cerezo Osaka on Monday announced 20-year-old forward Sota Kitano's move to Austrian club Salzburg. His contract runs until the end of June 2029, according to Salzburg, who will play in the 32-team Club World Cup beginning Saturday in the United States. Kitano, a Cerezo youth product, has scored eight goals in 68 J-League first-division matches. He represented Japan at the U-20 World Cup in 2023 in Argentina. "I'm thankful to everyone I met at Cerezo Osaka," Kitano said in a statement through the club. "I'll do my best to give back." Kitano follows in the footsteps of Takumi Minamino in leaving the Osaka outfit for the Austrian side after the current Japan and Monaco attacker made the move in 2015.
